“It is impossible, if no more than one opinion is uttered, to make choice of the best: a man is forced then to follow whatever advice may have been given him; but if opposite speeches are delivered, then choice can be exercised. In like manner pure gold is not recognized by itself; but when we test it along with baser ore, we perceive which is the better.” – Herodotus on freedom of discussion. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Paul Rand, "It is impossible, if no more than one opinion is uttered, to make choice of the best: a man is forced then to follow whatever advice may have been given him; but if opposite speeches are delivered, then choice can be exercised. In like manner pure gold is not recognized by itself; but when we test it along with baser ore, we perceive which is the better."--Herodotus on freedom of discussion. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, gelatin silver print and gouache on paper and gouache on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.241
Copied Paul Rand, "It is impossible, if no more than one opinion is uttered, to make choice of the best: a man is forced then to follow whatever advice may have been given him; but if opposite speeches are delivered, then choice can be exercised. In like manner pure gold is not recognized by itself; but when we test it along with baser ore, we perceive which is the better."--Herodotus on freedom of discussion. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1950, gelatin silver print and gouache on paper and gouache on paperboard, sheet: 18 5⁄8 x 14 in. (47.2 x 35.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.241

Artwork Details

Title
“It is impossible, if no more than one opinion is uttered, to make choice of the best: a man is forced then to follow whatever advice may have been given him; but if opposite speeches are delivered, then choice can be exercised. In like manner pure gold is not recognized by itself; but when we test it along with baser ore, we perceive which is the better.” – Herodotus on freedom of discussion. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1950
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 18 5⁄8 x 14 in. (47.2 x 35.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
gelatin silver print and gouache on paper and gouache on paperboard
Subjects
  • Occupation — education — historian
  • Figure male — fragment — face
  • Portrait male — Herodotus
  • Literature — Herodotus
Object Number
1984.124.241
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.241